An adolescent client reports to the nurse of walking with a limp due to pain localized in the right knee which worsens at night but denies any recent injury or trauma. The nurse observes swelling and tenderness in the right lower thigh, and imaging results reveal radial ossification in the soft tissues.
Which condition should the nurse consider as the probable cause of the findings?
Osteosarcoma
Growing pains
Rhabdomyolysis
Hemosiderosis
The Correct Answer is A
The adolescent client's symptoms of localized pain, swelling, and tenderness, particularly at night, are suggestive of a malignancy such as osteosarcoma, which is the most common primary bone tumor in children and adolescents.
Radial ossification in the soft tissues is a characteristic finding in osteosarcoma and is indicative of bone production by malignant cells. Other imaging modalities, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also reveal osteolytic or osteoblastic lesions in the bone.
Growing pains are a common, benign condition that occur in children and do not typically present with the
symptoms described in the case scenario.
Rhabdomyolysis is a medical emergency that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and release of muscle fiber contents into the bloodstream. It can present with muscle pain, swelling, and tenderness, but typically occurs as a result of injury, infection, or drug toxicity.
Hemosiderosis is a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of iron in various tissues, including the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It may present with symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and abdominal pain, but is not typically associated with the symptoms and imaging findings described in the case scenario.
Therefore, the nurse should consider osteosarcoma as the probable cause of the adolescent client's symptoms and imaging findings, and should collaborate with the healthcare team to develop a plan of care for diagnosis and treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client should be instructed to eat a source of sugar if he experiences profuse perspiration, which may indicate hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Other symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, confusion, dizziness, and weakness.
Eating a source of sugar, such as a glucose tablet, fruit juice, or candy, can quickly raise blood sugar levels and alleviate symptoms of hypoglycemia.
A racing pulse, excessive thirst, and seeing spots are not typically associated with hypoglycemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, which can cause decreased blood flow from the left ventricle to the systemic circulation. In infants with aortic stenosis, the left ventricle must work harder to pump blood through the narrowed valve, which can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, and pulmonary edema. Bilateral fine crackles in both lung fields may indicate fluid overload in the lungs, which is a common complication of heart failure. Hypotension and tachycardia may also be present due to decreased cardiac output.
Option A is not a typical finding associated with aortic stenosis.
Option B is not directly related to the infant's cardiac condition.
Option C is not a typical finding associated with heart failure.
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